Daimler AG Boosts Dividend after 45 Percent Jump in Q4 Earnings

German auto-maker Daimler AG capped off the 2013 year with a strong finish, as the German auto manufacturer posted fourth quarter earnings 45 percent over the previous year. The company’s 2.53 billion euros ($3.41 billion) in Q4 revenue far out-distanced 2012’s 1.74 billion euros in 2012. Revenues increased 8 percent over the previous year, powered by a stronger lineup of smaller vehicles. Sales for the year were skewed somewhat by Daimler’s one-time gain from the sales of its aerospace division, EADS, which brought in 709 million euros. In addition, the company announced it would increase its dividend from $2.20 euros per share to $2.25 euros. Finally, in April, 130,000 Daimler workers will receive an additional 3,041 euros as part of a bonus and profit-sharing plan.